Australian state governments could potentially sue tobacco companies for billions of dollars in public hospital and healthcare costs, according to a proposal developed by a former barrister who played a key role in establishing that secondhand smoke causes lung cancer.
The proposal, which estimates compensation could reach up to $50 billion, is currently being formally reviewed by the South Australian government. Other states are also examining the idea, though no formal action has yet been taken.
Under the plan, state governments would seek to recover the costs of treating illnesses linked to tobacco exposure, including diseases caused by secondhand smoke. The proposal builds on legal precedent that has held tobacco manufacturers liable for health harms.
While the proposal is still in the advisory stage, its proponents argue that the financial burden on public healthcare systems is substantial and that compensation could help offset these costs.
No decision has been announced by any state government, and the proposal remains under consideration as officials weigh its legal and financial implications.
<small>Source: The Guardian — read the original story there.</small>